Start by defining the move
Give each mover the same information so its response reflects the same job: origin and destination, preferred date or date range, home type, room count, inventory, stairs, elevators, walking distance, parking, oversized items, packing needs, and storage stops. Then ask what information is still needed to define the scope. A common mistake is requesting a price before disclosing conditions that could change the labor, equipment, timing, or authorized services.
Ask about terms before comparing answers
Confirm the mover’s legal business name and whether the move is intrastate or interstate. For a North Carolina household move, ask for the carrier information needed to check applicable regulation through the North Carolina Utilities Commission. For an interstate move, request the USDOT number and verify the mover with FMCSA’s mover-search tool. Ask whether the estimate is binding or non-binding, what work it includes, how charges are calculated, whether minimums or travel charges apply, and how added work must be approved. Also ask which valuation option applies, its limits and exclusions, whether a deductible applies, and how loss or damage claims are submitted. Valuation describes contractual liability and is not necessarily the same as third-party insurance. Sources: North Carolina Utilities Commission — Transportation: https://www.ncuc.gov/industries/transportation/transportation.html; FMCSA — Search for a Registered Mover: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/protect-your-move/search-mover
Account for Raleigh access conditions
Ask the property manager about elevator reservations, loading docks, gates, truck-size restrictions, move hours, floor protection, and certificate-of-insurance requirements. Confirm where the truck may legally stop and who is responsible for any reservation or permit. If a truck, container, or related work could affect a public street or sidewalk, consult the City of Raleigh’s temporary street-closure information rather than assuming curb or lane access is permitted. Keep these access answers in writing and share them with the mover before the date is finalized. Source: City of Raleigh — Temporary Street Closures: https://raleighnc.gov/transportation/services/temporary-street-closures
Use a final preparation and scheduling checklist
Before scheduling, confirm: the service date or arrival window; origin and destination access; crew, vehicle, and equipment assumptions; packing responsibilities; disassembly and reassembly responsibilities; specialty-item handling; prohibited items; payment terms; cancellation or rescheduling terms; valuation selection; contact details for moving day; and the procedure for approving changes. Ask who supplies boxes and protective materials, which items must be prepared in advance, and what cannot be loaded. Separate medications, identification, keys, essential documents, valuables, and first-night necessities. Obtain the mover’s prohibited-items list; household hazardous waste should follow Wake County disposal guidance rather than being packed as ordinary household goods. Source: Wake County — Household Hazardous Waste Facilities: https://www.wake.gov/departments-government/waste-recycling/facilities/household-hazardous-waste-facilities For the broader sequence of tasks, use the planning move checklist at /resources/planning-move-checklist/. When the scope is documented, request a tailored estimate through /contact/ using the same inventory and access details.